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Tuesday, December 11, 2012

December Staff Pick: Meet Me In St. Louis

This Month's Pick: Meet Me In St. LouisPicked By: Matt Bregman, Vice President for Development1. Why Meet Me in St. Louis?

First, let me claim some straight ally cred by telling you that Judy Garland is in it, and that should be reason enough! She is fabulous here—at the height of her brilliant genius powers. Second, Margaret O’Brien plays an adorable little girl who loves nothing more than talking about death. Third, if you aren’t moved when Judy sings “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” you should put down your popcorn in shame and leave the theater immediately. (Or give the popcorn to me. I love that song and I’m usually a little hungry.) But wait, there’s more! “The Trolley Song” at no additional cost!

2. What makes it unique?

Does it have to be unique? Is it okay if it’s just great? It was made in 1944 and doesn't seem even slightly dated. It is beautiful and funny without being silly or sentimental.

3. You might like this if you liked…
Other really great movies. Especially musicals that really click, like Singing in the Rain or The Sound of Music or The Wizard of Oz or The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. But also paintings by Picasso or plays by Shakespeare or novels by Charlotte Bronte. I don’t see how anyone with good taste and warm blood wouldn't love this movie.

4. Guilty-pleasure reason for seeing the film:

In the spectrum of possible human experience, it doesn't get much better than being someone who has the opportunity to go to BAM to see Meet Me in St. Louis on a big screen. It’s a cold, brutal world out there and I bet you’ve had a tough year. Enjoy yourself!

5. Final words:

I've probably watched this movie with my kids a dozen times and I could watch it again right now. (I’ve watched it a few times without my kids too.)